A City Escape To Nam Sang Wai Ecological Site and Wetland

5th May 2024

-Jane Austen

I had been wanting to try biking for years, so one Sunday I decided to do just that. If my memory serves me right, I haven't ridden a bicycle since 2013. When I searched for Hong Kong places to ride a bicycle, the Nam Sang Wai stood out as the most popular location. For that reason, I decided to go there the next weekend. At the time, I was quite bored spending the Chinese New Year alone at home. Unfortunately, I couldn't find the bicycle rental shop in Yeun Long, so my biking plan turned into a leisurely afternoon stroll. That being said, I noticed the beauty of nature on the stroll, so it was worthwhile.

From Yeun Long bus station, I traveled to the Hong Mo Kiu bus stop along Nam Sang Wai Road. From there, I located the starting point of the cycling site. My plan was to see the Wedding Bridge via the cycling road which has been quite popular recently.

I had no idea that the approximately 45-minute anticipated bike ride to get to my destination would instead require two hours of walking. It was like I went on a mountain hike. I came very close to walking the entire 177 hectares of this ecological site. If I had leased a bicycle, it should have been quicker and simpler.

At the intersection. I reached this place at 4:45 in the afternoon. The sky was still bright, but the sunset was almost approaching, so I hurriedly walked to find the starting point.

I have to cross under the flyover to reach the Kam Tim Riverside where the cycling site is located. The place was unfamiliar to me, so I followed the Google Maps directions and asked some people about the right track.

Given that it is an ecological site, different species of birds are part of the attraction. I had a leisurely walk along the riverside, and I was able to capture some cute feathered friends.

I bet catching fish is allowed in the area as I spotted this man catching fish along the riverside.

One of the scenic views when walking along the riverside is the series of mountains in Yeun Long. After seeing this view, I added this mountain to my bucket list, albeit uncertain of the name. Mountains are prettier when naked. Those are probably covered with green grasses by now.

Along the Kam Tin riverside are some resting places from the project they called Rivers the City. Those are ideal sites to spot different species of birds along the river.

Walking forward, I spotted this couple and asked them if I was following the right track to the wedding bridge. Fortunately, we were heading to the same ideal destination, so I tailed them. But they were quite slow and kept stopping at several spots along the way, so I headed ahead of them instead.

As the golden hour fell, the scenic scenes behind the fence were captivating. This ecological site encompasses wetlands, ponds, and lakes, as well as reed beds. It was such beautiful scenery seeing golden reeds swaying in the wind. And as the sunset caressed the beds of golden reeds, it made their color even more vibrant.

At around six, I reached this spot where I saw some residential houses. Not typical Hong Kong houses. I've been accustomed to seeing towering buildings in the city. Seeing such scenery makes me feel like I am in my own countryside. There were tilt houses by the ponds and lakes. Perhaps, those are fishermen's houses working on this ecological site. I spotted a fish pond education kiosk before reaching this site, thus, the place has fish ponds too.

The final stretch. At least, that was what I thought when I spotted vehicles and people ahead of the road. It made me more excited to reach the final stop.

I love this camping 4x4 vehicle. Some were getting ready for the dinner. I smelt grilled meat from the camping site located behind this view where tents were fetched. I didn't go to their camping area as campers seemed to be having fun. There's a spacious lawn for flying kites too. I hope I can go camping too someday.

And here's another camping site. Not a real one, but rather an installation as part of the attractions. This setup resembles those in tribal villages. Visitors definitely would stop by to sit on it. I felt so laid-back and imagined how fun it is to go camping at this scenic ecological site at night. The native hut perhaps is allowed to be used by visitors.

Just chilling! I felt as though I didn't want to leave the place.

The cycling area. If I had rented a bike and gone bicycling here, it would have been fantastic. The next time I visit this place, I definitely will!

At this time, it was getting darker, so some photos were enhanced.

Finally, at 6:20 in the evening, I arrived at what they called the Wedding Bridge. I'm uncertain as to why they call it that way. Maybe this was a popular spot for prenuptials or weddings in the past. Given the state of the wooden bridge, a wedding ceremony would not be permitted there today. As for me, I was extremely cautious every step of the way because the bridge no longer looked stable. Some wooden boards are already deteriorating, and there are even cracking noises with every step.

Looking at this photo, I can't deny that this bridge is a great place for some yoga meditation. The view of the bed reeds with a mountainous backdrop is truly relaxing to look at. The place is tranquil which is ideal for connecting with nature.

The place is so quiet and only the sounds of the birds and crickets can be heard. Some perhaps are lurking in the reed beds. This flock of birds startled me when they came out to the air all of a sudden. As if they were disturbed from their slumber.

It was getting darker so I left the place. Uncertain of where I was heading, I traced this concrete narrow footpath. All I know is there's a ferry pier at the end of the village to get to the opposite side of Yeun Long. It was my last resort since I can't go back to where I started because it will take another 2 hours of walking. Walking at the dark road was definitely a No for me.

By the riverside is a small village with stilt houses made of wooden board walls and corrugated iron roofs. Too different from Hong Kong urban areas. A typical countryside view. But what I noticed is, even small stilt houses here have air conditioned.

At the end of the village is what they called the Wedding Pier with the wedding ferry. These small boats are also called saipan boats. The pier was decorated with red Chinese ornaments since it was Chinese New Year.

Back in the day, when Hong Kong's transportation aren't well developed yet, this kind of boat was their main mode of transportation via water and crossing rivers. So it's a legendary kind of water vehicle that makes one feel nostalgic. It's operated manually, so just imagine the effort of boat paddlers.

Given the small size of the boat, I felt unsafe to ride, especially at night. This can only accommodate four to five people. The fair is reasonable which cost HK$8 for adults and HK$5 for kids. It was a worth it experience, though, and I was able to ride on this old saipan boat for the first time.

It was time to bid goodbye to Nam Sang Wai and go back to the bustling city again.

It's indeed an ideal place for a city escape. With lush greenery, meandering waterways, and vast open spaces, this ecological site offers a plethora of opportunities for enjoyment. The area's beautiful sceneries has grown in popularity and is a great spot for photographers to capture breathtaking views and natural sceneries.

So for those who wants to take a break from fast-paced Hong Kong city life, this place is a good retreat with its rich biodiversity, scenic landscapes, and recreational opportunities, such as camping, flying kites, strolling, biking, boating, bird watching, and visiting educational sites.

Until next time Nam Sang Wai!

Thanks for your time.